Shannon Eldreth/Special to Portage Sports

By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

Rootstown High School senior wrestling standout Cody Coontz recently reached another career milestone.

Coontz is now one of just 22 wrestlers in Portage County history to win at least 150 wins.

And counting for Coontz, who is working toward the opportunity for a deep tournament run in February and the state championships in March.

“Cody has a lot of natural ability, combined with a good work ethic and is an all-around nice guy,” Rootstown head coach Craig Wise said. “I am not surprised to see him at the top.”

Coontz’s senior season has been one for the record books already.

He finished the football season with a school record 2,322 yards rushing. The total ranks fifth-best in Portage County history. Coontz also set the career rushing record at Rootstown with 3,286 yards.

“He had an incredible football season, and I have no doubt he will be on the podium in March,” said Wise, who said he has been friends with Coontz’s father since they wrestled together at Cleveland State.

“I could not be happier for both of them on the success he has had this year on the field and the mat,” Wise said. “Cody is very athletic when he opens up and engages he can roll with anyone. He does all the right things in and out of the room to be a champion.”